Loki paced his chambers in nothing but his trousers, fists clenched, teeth grinding as his mind went a mile a minute. He was trying his hardest and now? Now what did she think of him, since he practically became her dominant, forcing her onto the bed face first and fucking her as hard as he could. He could sense that she was scared of him. She enjoyed it while it happened, but the look on her face when he had told her to leave was of pure pain.
Oh gods. He couldn't treat her like that. Not if he wanted to make her his queen.
Which she didn't know yet.
She didn't need to know that quite yet. He needed to allow her to settle into this life and develop stronger feelings for him first. Then and only then could he proceed with his plan.
He had to go after her. She had left him at least 4 hours prior. He had to mend the bond and get her to trust him again.
Loki flicked his wrist, his clothes appearing on his body along with his cape and his helmet. "Your majesty, would you like something to eat?" a servant appeared at the door, holding a folded up green sheet.
"Where did you get that?" he asked, ignoring the prior question.
"It came from the wash room." The servant spoke, watching as Loki ran his hand over the satin.
"Prior to that?" he prodded.
"I believe it was found in Miss Killigrew's chamber."
Loki bounded out the door and down the hallway towards her chambers. Once he had reached the door, he pressed his ear against it, listening for anything to give away her presence. When it was silent, he opened the door to find servants cleaning. They noticed him immediately, bowing.
"Have you seen her?" he spoke authoritatively, demanding an answer.
"No, sir." They all answered simultaneously. Loki bit the inside of his cheek out of frustration, turning back to the empty hallway.
Holly sat in the gardens, hidden from any outsiders. Her knees were pulled up to her chin, the black and green dress. That dress paired with the gold jewelry reminded her far too much of Loki. And that's the last person she wanted to see right now.
She carefully dipped her foot into the stream in front of her, feeling the warm and inviting waters. The servants had allowed her hair to simply be pinned back out of her face, the rest of her curls cascading down her back. She had just wanted to be comfortable. She missed her apartment, where she could curl up on her couch with a bowl of popcorn and watch her favorite movies all day.
She heard rustling in the reeds beside her, making her tip her head towards the sky, wishing that Loki would just leave her be.
But it wasn't Loki who appeared. A middle-aged woman, beautiful as can be with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She immediately realized that it was Frigga, Thor's mother and, well, Loki's adopted mother.
"Are you all right, my dear?" she asked quietly, her voice smooth and warm. Holly wiped the tears from her eyes, moving to stand quickly. "No, no. Sit. I will sit with you." The queen lifted her skirts, sitting beside the Midgardian woman.
"I don't know how to address you." Holly said quietly, biting her bottom lip. Frigga smiled gently.
"Please, you may call me Frigga." The queen was quiet for a moment, lacing her fingers together. "I haven't found myself out this far into the gardens since Thor and Loki were younger… what troubles you?"
"Oh, it's just… I don't think it would wise of me to lie my problems on you." Holly replied, feeling the tears threatening to fall once again.
"I understand how hard it must be for you, Holly. Midgard is nothing like Asgard. And gods know how difficult Loki can be. One of the servants informed we of what happened this morning. And I was hoping that you would allow me to give you an explanation."
"Please." Holly laughed humorlessly. "I need anything right now."
"Loki was always a quiet and thoughtful boy." Frigga started. "He had always been overshadowed by Thor, but Odin and I both loved him just as much… I trust you know the story from the time that Thor was banished from Asgard?"
"Yes," Holly nodded.
"Loki has always yearned for that control. He has just never taken the time to contemplate what it is actually to rule a kingdom. That is why he was unsuccessful on Midgard. That is why he did what he did to you this morning." Frigga paused once more, taking a deep breath. "Now, Thor was very headstrong before he was banished, but he returned a king after meeting a mortal on Midgard… I believe that Loki needs something… or someone… in his life to push him in the right direction as well." Holly turned away, hiding her face. "Perhaps you are that push?"
"Frigga, I can't-"
"But I believe you can. I have not seen Loki smile this much since he was a boy." The queen smiled appreciatively at her. "He may not believe he is my son, but I still believe he is. It warms my heart to see this change in temperament." Holly nodded once more with a watery smile.
"Thank you, Frigga."
"You are most welcome anytime, dear." Frigga stood, smoothing her dress out. "I hope to see you at dinner tonight." Holly replied with a smile, feet slipping back into the warm, caressing waters.
Could she handle this demigod? Could she turn his life around?
Loki appeared across the stream from her, hands clasped behind his back. Holly looked up at him, brown eyes wide. "Please don't come any closer." She said quietly, pulling her foot from the stream and fixing her dress to cover her legs. Loki nodded in understanding, choosing to sit, showing her that he meant no harm.
He lacked his helmet and staff, his hands empty, his jet-black hair exposed to the sun. Clearing his throat, he spoke gently, "I apologize for this morning. It was uncalled for and I should have never treated you as I have." Holly nodded, biting her bottom lip. A gentle warm breeze caressed her face, her soft curls tousled. Loki studied her intently as her eyes closed and she turned her face towards the wind. As the breeze disappeared, Holly shivered and turned her attention back to the man watching her. "May I come sit next to you?" he asked quietly.
"Yes," she replied hesitantly. Loki appeared by her side, sitting with his long legs stretched out in front of him. He watched her as her feet slowly slid into the water again.
"You look beautiful." He told her quietly. Holly bit her bottom lip as tears spilled over her bottom eyelids.
"Thank you," she whispered, resting her head against her knees. Loki let out a shaky breath, wishing he could reach out to comfort her.
"I will not force you to stay here, but…" he ran a hand through his hair in frustration, looking away. "I'm begging you, don't leave me." His blue eyes turned on her, forehead wrinkled in worry, bringing out the child in his features. "Last night was… pure bliss. I should not have left you and I should not have done what I did this morning. Please, Holly." Holly's tears began to fall faster, a small sob escaping her lips.
"Just give me time, Loki. I need to think this through." She whispered, turning her tear laden eyes on the desperate man beside her. "Just give me time." She whispered again as he nodded, standing and making his retreat through the gardens.